Figure below shows a plot of the potential energy as a function of x for a particle moving along the x-axis. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true ?
- a, c and d are points of equilibrium
- a is a point of stable equilibrium
- b is a point of stable equilibrium
- All of the above
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
At a, b c and d : \(\frac{dU}{dx} = 0 \Rightarrow\) These points are the points of equilibrium.
At a and c : \(\frac{d^2U}{dx^2} > 0\ \Rightarrow \) These points are points of stable equilibrium.
At b and d : \(\frac{d^2U}{dx^2} < 0\ \Rightarrow \) These points are points of unstable equilibrium.
